Brahman Hills

I have a special place in my heart for the KZN Midlands area, it’s where we got engaged, it’s full of the most amazing foodie places and it’s literally right on our doorstep, yet a trip makes you feel like you were in a distant location, far removed from city life. I’ve stayed in countless Midlands venues over the years – some good, some not so good, some amazing. And my recent stay at Brahman Hills slots right into the amazing category.

Previously known as The Windmills, the venue has undergone a massive renovation and is under new ownership and now boasts hotel and self-catering accommodation, a restaurant, various event venues and an underground bar and cellar, as well as an on site spa to rival others in the area.

We stayed in the self-catering Oribi Cottage which has the most magnificent view across rolling hills, which can be admired from inside your perfectly heated private jacuzzi, set inside your decked verandah! What a fabulous way to watch the sunset – I recommend you pack some bubbles to sip on and really do it in style.

The cottages are set well away from the hotel, on the Blue Crane Nature Reserve and Oribi Cottage where we stayed was well equipped with all the kitchen stuff you’d need for a home away from home – a small sitting room with tv and dstv connection, a fireplace which was lit for us on request, a huge bathroom with a beautiful ball and claw bath, plus a massive shower – all looking over the same beautiful view through massive picture windows. And then the king size bed, complete with electric blankets, feather pillows and percale bedding was a real treat after a delicious dinner and a few too many bubbles ;)

ORIBI COTTAGE

VIEW FROM OUR PRIVATE DECK

THE VIEW TOWARD THE WEDDING VENUE

THE SPA AT BRAHMAN HILLS

Speaking of food, we had dinner in a private room set for 2, as there was a corporate group in the restaurant that evening. Loved that they made this plan so we weren’t stuck with a noisy crowd and we got to enjoy our 3-course set menu meal in relative peace and quiet – and it was delicious. I did sneak a peek of the restaurant, 89 on Copper, before it filled up and it’s set in their cosy underground cellar, with glowing lamps and interesting nooks, with lots of exposed brick. It has a seating capacity of just 26, so it’s perfect for an intimate dinner when not being used for a group. There’s also the Brahman Cafe, which seats up to 120, which is family friendly and where we had breakfast – a selection of hot and cold buffet items, as well as cooked-to-order hot meals.

Our dinner the night before was extremely hearty, so we didn’t have a big breakfast – even more so as we were off to the spa and didn’t want to feel full! And boy am I glad I got to enjoy this spa!

If you told me I could have any experience I wanted on holiday, it would undoubtedly be a spa experience. There is no amount of time that is too long for me to enjoy a massage, a hand and foot pamper or a facial, never mind the series of lotions and potions that come along with them all – I am in heaven! But, and this is a very big but, I am super fussy about the facilities, the staff and the products used and will not go just anywhere to be felt up!

The pics of the spa that I had seen on social media looked fab and it did not disappoint. Situated in a double storey building with a never ending series of porthole windows, this really was a highlight of our stay. Beautifully appointed with attention to detail in bucket loads, from the presentation of the bath salts in the reception area, to the amazing views out of the portholes and the relaxing sounds of waterfalls on both sides of the building, this was a wonderful way to end our stay and I only wish I had booked to enjoy some more treatments and stayed longer!

So if you are looking for a Midland’s getaway with your partner-in-crime or a group of besties, I highly recommend Brahman Hills. Book a cottage and some spa treatments – you’ll be so glad you did!

* A big thank you to the team at Brahman Hills for a wonderful stay at your beautiful venue.
Accommodation, meals and spa treatments were provided complimentary, but all views expressed here are my own and no wording was provided for this post to be written.
Pics: supplied and taken by me.

About Ask Ashe

Brand Consultant + Editor

I’m Nicola Ashe - ad exec turned brand consultant, who quit the rat race in 2014, so I could finally breathe again. I live in Durban, South Africa with my husband and 4 rescue dogs and run Ask Ashe as a brand consulting business, helping people create and curate their own brands. But it's also my little space on the web, where I've shared design, decor, food, travel or lifestyle snippets since 2009.